Community Passes Elmhurst Park District Referendum
As of November 5, 2024, the majority of Elmhurst Park District voters answered “yes” to the bond referendum request to raise revenue to improve, equip and maintain parks and facilities throughout the District, including replacing the Wagner Community Center; building a community bandshell at Wilder Park; adding permanent, heated restrooms at three parks and along the Prairie Path; and converting a grass field to artificial turf at Berens Park.
The new Wagner Community Center will accommodate more residents and feature:
- Free three-lane walking/jogging track
- Gymnasium for pickleball, basketball, volleyball and other sports
- Artificial turf field for soccer, football, baseball and other sports
- Larger spaces for dance and gymnastics programs
- Flexible multi-purpose spaces for more programming and community gatherings
- Indoor play area for children
- Dedicated early childhood and preschool spaces with a secure entrance
“Our residents have been an essential part of this process from the beginning, sharing their vision during the Elevate Elmhurst Parks planning, providing feedback on projects during multiple open houses, answering our voter survey and then voting,” said Kevin Graf, Park Board President. “We are pleased to be able to deliver their vision.”
With the community’s approval of the bond request, the Park District will complete design development for the Wagner Community Center along with the other projects in 2025. At the same time, plans will be made to temporarily relocate programs and services currently held at the Wagner Center beginning in fall 2025. Construction on the new Wagner Center is expected to start in 2026 with the new facility opening in fall 2027. The community bandshell, year-round heated restrooms, and upgrading a grass field to artificial turf will be completed in 2026-2028.
Check this webpage and regularly follow us on social media to stay up to date on progress and details.
July 2025 Progress Report
Wagner Community Center (WCC) Project
- Board approved exterior building elevations and site plan.
- Board approved contracts for asbestos abatement, along with project management and air quality testing.
- 30 residents attended June 11 neighborhood meeting (meeting notice sent to property owners within 500 feet of WCC as part of City’s Planned Unit Development process).
- Design considerations being discussed include rooftop solar modules, IT networking, door access controls, and audio-visual requirements.
Wagner Community Center (WCC) Relocation
- 185 Industrial Drive Rental Property
- Finalized schedule for move out of WCC.
- Board approved Dewberry task order for architectural and engineering services.
- Board approved purchase of roof top HVAC units
- Construction work for build-out of gymnastics and dance spaces let for bid.
- Landlord addressed a number of required items, including repaving and striping the parking lot.
Crestview Park Master Plan
- Board approved proposed Crestview Park Master Plan presented by V3, including restroom building.
Wilder Park Bandshell with Restrooms
- Wilder Park South Master Plan kickoff meeting held with Upland Design and Dewberry.
- Wilder Park South Task Force kickoff meeting held.
